Dear Family,
Well im about to leave to go climb the highest mountain in all of tutuila. so I have almost no time. So im just going to say thank you so much for everything, you are all to good to me. thank you for sending the shoes. and the junkfood. haha. I get way to much of that here, ah tutuila is the land of food!!! everyone says that you put on the most weight on this island. well I really have to go, good letters next week oai loa.
Manuia lave le vaiaso.
Elder Fawcett
E aga'i i luma le galuega.
Samoa
Monday, October 27, 2014
Monday, October 20, 2014
October 20, 2014
Dear Family,
Wow Dad it sounds like you are giving quite the object lessons. But in my opinion they are the best kind. Because I would dare say that, that student will remember it. Now that is what is important. what good is teaching people if they are just going to forget what we are teaching them. Its always best to make things interesting. Thanks Dad for your thoughts on Thomas. I really feel for him. Self doubts are always the hardest to overcome. But let us always remember that faith is a gift that is best received though sincere fasting and prayer. I also just read in Jesus the Christ that in order to exercise our faith we need to align our desires with the will of the Lord.
What a great goal that you have made, to visit the temple truly is a gift that most people don't understand. I don't even know if I truly understand it completely. For the temple is something that you can only truly understand through frequent temple attendance. So for you to make a goal like that really is a wonderful opportunity. I am slightly jealous... I don't have the ability to attend the temple... it being on a completely different island. I look forward to the next time I will be able to attend. Keana, going to the temple every week. That is so good of you. Like I said earlier, I am slightly jealous. make the most of it.
This was a fun week. I have a funny story for you guys. We were in a members house waiting in the front room for the head of the house to come out and talk with us. one of the little girls walked in and saw the reflection of light off of my companions watch on the wall. she seemed very amazed at this. Elder Davis moved the light a couple feet to the right, and sure enough she screamed in amazement and ran after the light. Elder Davis commenced in moving the light around the room for the little girl to follow, which she did with mush screaming. I thought the whole thing was quite interesting.
We got a new investigator this week. Brother and sister Leomiti. Its kind of cool because he is a Matai (chief). I think that is pretty cool, to teach a Matai. But its also not good because I heard that a lot of Matai's don't like our church because they don't like the fact that the church doesn't give any special recognition or states, where as in another church they would be considered a higher class than everyone else. or have higher authority. We will address the subject with him later this week.
Well that's all for now. Manuia lava le vaiaso!
Alofa atu,
Elder Fawcett
E aga'i I luma le galuenga a le Atua.
Wow Dad it sounds like you are giving quite the object lessons. But in my opinion they are the best kind. Because I would dare say that, that student will remember it. Now that is what is important. what good is teaching people if they are just going to forget what we are teaching them. Its always best to make things interesting. Thanks Dad for your thoughts on Thomas. I really feel for him. Self doubts are always the hardest to overcome. But let us always remember that faith is a gift that is best received though sincere fasting and prayer. I also just read in Jesus the Christ that in order to exercise our faith we need to align our desires with the will of the Lord.
What a great goal that you have made, to visit the temple truly is a gift that most people don't understand. I don't even know if I truly understand it completely. For the temple is something that you can only truly understand through frequent temple attendance. So for you to make a goal like that really is a wonderful opportunity. I am slightly jealous... I don't have the ability to attend the temple... it being on a completely different island. I look forward to the next time I will be able to attend. Keana, going to the temple every week. That is so good of you. Like I said earlier, I am slightly jealous. make the most of it.
This was a fun week. I have a funny story for you guys. We were in a members house waiting in the front room for the head of the house to come out and talk with us. one of the little girls walked in and saw the reflection of light off of my companions watch on the wall. she seemed very amazed at this. Elder Davis moved the light a couple feet to the right, and sure enough she screamed in amazement and ran after the light. Elder Davis commenced in moving the light around the room for the little girl to follow, which she did with mush screaming. I thought the whole thing was quite interesting.
We got a new investigator this week. Brother and sister Leomiti. Its kind of cool because he is a Matai (chief). I think that is pretty cool, to teach a Matai. But its also not good because I heard that a lot of Matai's don't like our church because they don't like the fact that the church doesn't give any special recognition or states, where as in another church they would be considered a higher class than everyone else. or have higher authority. We will address the subject with him later this week.
Well that's all for now. Manuia lava le vaiaso!
Alofa atu,
Elder Fawcett
E aga'i I luma le galuenga a le Atua.
Monday, October 13, 2014
October 13, 2014
Dear Family,
It's great to hear that you guys are back on your feet after running the marathon. It sounds as if you guys are having a great week. Busy as usual. Dad was the book Jesus the Christ really written inside of the temple? And as for the topic of beating people, That is one of the biggest problems of Samoa, everyone beats on somebody. All parents beat there kids and all older siblings beat the younger siblings. and its not just small beatings. I have seen some nasty wounds and scars. And if you ask them about it, they would just say that it is a part of their culture. Just yesterday was stake conference and the presiding authority Elder Dundfeild addressed the stake on the very topic saying that there are better ways to discipline their kids than to beat and hit them. But Just hearing it wont change their habits that they have made over the past fifty years. This is just one of the aspects of the Samoan culture that I really don't like, and that the church is trying to fix.
We had Interviews with our mission president this week. I love President Tolman so much. He is the best thing that has happened to this mission since I have been here. Not just because he opened email and other good things. He is the pushing the work here so hard. And he and his wife are trying so hard to get to know every missionary personally. I can honestly say that he has changed my mission experience. He is truly a man called of God.
Well I love all of you. I promise you a long letter next week.
Elder Fawcett
E aga'i i luma le galuega a le Atua
It's great to hear that you guys are back on your feet after running the marathon. It sounds as if you guys are having a great week. Busy as usual. Dad was the book Jesus the Christ really written inside of the temple? And as for the topic of beating people, That is one of the biggest problems of Samoa, everyone beats on somebody. All parents beat there kids and all older siblings beat the younger siblings. and its not just small beatings. I have seen some nasty wounds and scars. And if you ask them about it, they would just say that it is a part of their culture. Just yesterday was stake conference and the presiding authority Elder Dundfeild addressed the stake on the very topic saying that there are better ways to discipline their kids than to beat and hit them. But Just hearing it wont change their habits that they have made over the past fifty years. This is just one of the aspects of the Samoan culture that I really don't like, and that the church is trying to fix.
We had Interviews with our mission president this week. I love President Tolman so much. He is the best thing that has happened to this mission since I have been here. Not just because he opened email and other good things. He is the pushing the work here so hard. And he and his wife are trying so hard to get to know every missionary personally. I can honestly say that he has changed my mission experience. He is truly a man called of God.
Well I love all of you. I promise you a long letter next week.
Elder Fawcett
E aga'i i luma le galuega a le Atua
Monday, October 6, 2014
October 6, 2014
Dear family,
Our computers are really slow over here even on good days, today was not a good day... my computer would not load, so now I only have ten minutes to write.
I sounds like the marathon went really well. despite the fact that you didn't reach your time mom, it sounds as if you did amazing. Do you ever plan on trying again? Great job to Keana as well. what you did was no easy. Mom all the pictures that you sent me wont load on the computer so I don't know what any of the pictures are that you have sent me.
How did all of you enjoy conference? I thought that it was amazing. life changing in fact, but then again we all have something to work on that should change our lives no matter how small it may seem. Its just up to you weather or not you decide to make that change or not.
well I do love all of you and I hope that you are all having a wonderful week. I also hope that you guys aren't to sore. haha
alofa atu,
Elder Fawcett
E aga'i i luma le galuega.
P.S. quick question. How do you deal with a man that beats his wife?
Our computers are really slow over here even on good days, today was not a good day... my computer would not load, so now I only have ten minutes to write.
I sounds like the marathon went really well. despite the fact that you didn't reach your time mom, it sounds as if you did amazing. Do you ever plan on trying again? Great job to Keana as well. what you did was no easy. Mom all the pictures that you sent me wont load on the computer so I don't know what any of the pictures are that you have sent me.
How did all of you enjoy conference? I thought that it was amazing. life changing in fact, but then again we all have something to work on that should change our lives no matter how small it may seem. Its just up to you weather or not you decide to make that change or not.
well I do love all of you and I hope that you are all having a wonderful week. I also hope that you guys aren't to sore. haha
alofa atu,
Elder Fawcett
E aga'i i luma le galuega.
P.S. quick question. How do you deal with a man that beats his wife?
Monday, September 29, 2014
September 29, 2014
What a wonderful week it has been.
Don't worry mom, I am being the missionary that I know that I am supposed to be. Nothing is going to stand in the way of that. So no need for you to come over here to "kick my backside" :)
Sounds like you guys had a great turnout for the activity on Wednesday. 40 people? where did you put them all? I'm also glad to hear that Keana is doing her share of fellowshiping. Keana good for you. sometimes months and months are what people need to get going. For other people it might be a kick in the backside. :) Pizza sounds really good right now. It has been a very long time since I have had a pizza that that was deserving of the name pizza.
As always the two of you (Mom and Dad) sound very busy. Busy is good, but you need to make sure that you don't over do things. That always leads to stress, which as you all know is not fun. Plus you always need to save time to spend with the family.
It sounds as if you guys aren't very excited for this marathon. haha Just don't let yourself be a head case. You can do it Mom, under four hours. Have any of you by any chance used my running watch. If not you guys can if you would like to. Keana your goal doesn't sound very optimistic. haha I sure hope that you are able to stay in front of the ambulance at the end of the race. don't worry I will defiantly be praying for all of you. What is Tannen's goal for the Marathon? I have actually been out running in the mornings lately. Whenever my companion allows us that is... Try to back into shape... haha I don't know if you remember the picture of me from the MTC in the card that I sent home a while back. The one of me for my before and after picture of Samoa. Well any ways I decided to take another picture since i have reached my halve way point. I don't know if you want to see this on though... haha I might send it in a different email.
Okay, things that happened this week. First and foremost, both Siosi and Fialelei were baptized on Saturday. Oh by the way I just thought that I should mention that Fialelei's last name is Stanley I just thought that that was interesting. Anyways, it was a wonderful baptism. Siosi was super excited the whole time. Almost bouncing off the walls (in a good way). Fialelei was more emotional than any other investigator that I have ever had. She was so nervous for the first thirty minuets of the baptism. She was almost in tears... But she was beaming coming out of the font. It has been a long road for he to get to this point. and I am so happy for her. All in all it was a wonderful day. Oh by the way Fialelei has a brother who says that he want to meet with us. So we will also see how that goes.
On Thursday we had dinner with the Faasavalu family. A family that we have become very close to. Sister Faasavalu has become my "mom" in this area. They even made me a cake and put a #1 candle in it to celebrate "my birthday" haha they are such a wonderful family. They had to make sure to make the candle pink. They think it is really funny to give me pink stuff... One of there sons is serving a mission in the Philippians right now. We are also helping another of the sons prepare for his mission.
paua na mo lenei vaiaso, ou te faamoemoe e lava le umi a lenei tusi. haha manuia lava le vaiaso.
Ou te alofa ia te outou,
Elder Fawcett
E aga'i I luma le galuega a le Atua
Don't worry mom, I am being the missionary that I know that I am supposed to be. Nothing is going to stand in the way of that. So no need for you to come over here to "kick my backside" :)
Sounds like you guys had a great turnout for the activity on Wednesday. 40 people? where did you put them all? I'm also glad to hear that Keana is doing her share of fellowshiping. Keana good for you. sometimes months and months are what people need to get going. For other people it might be a kick in the backside. :) Pizza sounds really good right now. It has been a very long time since I have had a pizza that that was deserving of the name pizza.
As always the two of you (Mom and Dad) sound very busy. Busy is good, but you need to make sure that you don't over do things. That always leads to stress, which as you all know is not fun. Plus you always need to save time to spend with the family.
It sounds as if you guys aren't very excited for this marathon. haha Just don't let yourself be a head case. You can do it Mom, under four hours. Have any of you by any chance used my running watch. If not you guys can if you would like to. Keana your goal doesn't sound very optimistic. haha I sure hope that you are able to stay in front of the ambulance at the end of the race. don't worry I will defiantly be praying for all of you. What is Tannen's goal for the Marathon? I have actually been out running in the mornings lately. Whenever my companion allows us that is... Try to back into shape... haha I don't know if you remember the picture of me from the MTC in the card that I sent home a while back. The one of me for my before and after picture of Samoa. Well any ways I decided to take another picture since i have reached my halve way point. I don't know if you want to see this on though... haha I might send it in a different email.
Okay, things that happened this week. First and foremost, both Siosi and Fialelei were baptized on Saturday. Oh by the way I just thought that I should mention that Fialelei's last name is Stanley I just thought that that was interesting. Anyways, it was a wonderful baptism. Siosi was super excited the whole time. Almost bouncing off the walls (in a good way). Fialelei was more emotional than any other investigator that I have ever had. She was so nervous for the first thirty minuets of the baptism. She was almost in tears... But she was beaming coming out of the font. It has been a long road for he to get to this point. and I am so happy for her. All in all it was a wonderful day. Oh by the way Fialelei has a brother who says that he want to meet with us. So we will also see how that goes.
On Thursday we had dinner with the Faasavalu family. A family that we have become very close to. Sister Faasavalu has become my "mom" in this area. They even made me a cake and put a #1 candle in it to celebrate "my birthday" haha they are such a wonderful family. They had to make sure to make the candle pink. They think it is really funny to give me pink stuff... One of there sons is serving a mission in the Philippians right now. We are also helping another of the sons prepare for his mission.
paua na mo lenei vaiaso, ou te faamoemoe e lava le umi a lenei tusi. haha manuia lava le vaiaso.
Ou te alofa ia te outou,
Elder Fawcett
E aga'i I luma le galuega a le Atua
Monday, September 22, 2014
September 22, 2014
Dear Family,
I have received so many emails, I don't know how I will have enough time to reply to all of them. But first is the letter to the Family.
Great news. We have been working more with Soisi's dad, meeting with him a few times a week. and on Tuesday we got permission from him to baptize Siosi. He wanted us to wait till October, but we ended up agreeing on the 27th of September. We also met again with Fialelei, well actually she ended up coming to us. She told us that she wants to be baptized and that she would be willing to do lessons. So this just goes to show that hard work, faith and prayer can and will go a long
way. so now the two of them will be getting baptized on the 27th!!! :)
I fell really bad for my Zone leaders. Everyone hates them. Its really kind of sad. Elder Bate and Elder Poutoa (the zone leaders) are the two best missionaries I have met on my mission. They are perfectly obedient, and set a great example to others. and because of that, everyone really hates them. who knew that the more obedient you are to the commandments of God, the more people will hate you. It sickens me. Especially since it is coming from other missionaries. Me and my companion are trying to be a good support for them. It truly is lonely on top.
We had a dual zone conference here in Tutuila, in other words, we had an Island conference. It ended up being 6 1/2 hours long. (really long) But it went really well. Got to spend some more time with the
Mission President and his wife. I love them so much. They are such amazing people. Sister Tolman used to be a teacher. and I can tell by the way she talks when she gives a lesson. And when President Tolman talks the spirit is just so overwhelmingly strong. They remind me a lot of you two Mom and Dad.
Once again I am out of time. I spent to long reading all of the emails. next week I will be a lot faster.
Ou te alofa ia te outou, manuia lava le vaiaso. manatua, galulue malosi, taalo malosi.
Elder Fawcett
E aga'i I luma le galuega.
I have received so many emails, I don't know how I will have enough time to reply to all of them. But first is the letter to the Family.
Great news. We have been working more with Soisi's dad, meeting with him a few times a week. and on Tuesday we got permission from him to baptize Siosi. He wanted us to wait till October, but we ended up agreeing on the 27th of September. We also met again with Fialelei, well actually she ended up coming to us. She told us that she wants to be baptized and that she would be willing to do lessons. So this just goes to show that hard work, faith and prayer can and will go a long
way. so now the two of them will be getting baptized on the 27th!!! :)
I fell really bad for my Zone leaders. Everyone hates them. Its really kind of sad. Elder Bate and Elder Poutoa (the zone leaders) are the two best missionaries I have met on my mission. They are perfectly obedient, and set a great example to others. and because of that, everyone really hates them. who knew that the more obedient you are to the commandments of God, the more people will hate you. It sickens me. Especially since it is coming from other missionaries. Me and my companion are trying to be a good support for them. It truly is lonely on top.
We had a dual zone conference here in Tutuila, in other words, we had an Island conference. It ended up being 6 1/2 hours long. (really long) But it went really well. Got to spend some more time with the
Mission President and his wife. I love them so much. They are such amazing people. Sister Tolman used to be a teacher. and I can tell by the way she talks when she gives a lesson. And when President Tolman talks the spirit is just so overwhelmingly strong. They remind me a lot of you two Mom and Dad.
Once again I am out of time. I spent to long reading all of the emails. next week I will be a lot faster.
Ou te alofa ia te outou, manuia lava le vaiaso. manatua, galulue malosi, taalo malosi.
Elder Fawcett
E aga'i I luma le galuega.
Monday, September 15, 2014
September 15, 2014
Dear Mom,
It apears that you have allready guessed I would be getting email. we didnt find out for sure until 5 days ago. But just to let you know, we can use email every monday.
wow you ran 20 miles on saturday? Thats great. but thats good because that marathon is comming up pretty quick isnt it? and yes when i get back, i will need to get back into shape so that i can run a marathon. Well atleast it sounds like a good idea right now. Maybe not so good when I actually get back. haha. Both burritos and calzones in one week? You guys are eating great! haha that sounds amazing, especialy when im over here eating fried chicken and taro every day. not exactly the most healthy diet... :( But oh well no point fussing over things that you cant fix.
This past week was great. Earlyer this week the bishops wife Amu asked us to come help her teach the seminary class on the 1st chapter of the D&C. specificaly on the last few verses and the verse that talks about this chuch being to only true and living chuch on the earth. That went really well. I spent about 15 mins talking to the class about the church and and what examples we should be. I was really happy about the way things went. (by the way this was all in english). Then right after the lesson one of the girls came up to me and asked my why I said that this was the only true church when there are other churches out there that say the same thing. So we told her that we would come by her house later after scholl got out and anser all of her questions. By the way her name is Anne. so later we went and taught her the first lesson. this was the first time I have ever tought a lesson in english. It was an amazing experiance, being able to bear my testomony in english. Anne had so many questions about Prophets and the Priesthood and so many other things. All in all, it was a really great day.
The next day we went ovet to check out one of our reverals, and we ran into a lady named Saina. she said that she would to hear more about what we have to say. she also said that she used to get visits from other missionaries. but then she moved away. And i guess she moved back abot two weaks ago. So we went back and had a wonderfull lesson with her. We ended up talking about baptism, and we found out that she is not married to and has two kids with the man that she lives with. (does that sound familear to any of you?). Also, she cant get married to him for another month because the man has no ID in Tutuila. He said that he would be getting it some time in October. So I guess we will just have to use our onosa'i (patience). but we will definatly Keep going over to visit and teech her.
We did a Split with the District leaders this week as well. Elder Wilden came over to Pava'ia'i with me, while Elder Davis went over to Amanave with Elder Degrafenreid. While on that split we went and talked to Anne about the Plan of Salvation. And once again she had about 1 billion questions. she almost reminds me of Kjanela. haha in a good way of course. also on that split we just kept getting referals right and left. literally every house that we went to someone was asking us to visit a friend or neighbor. Elder Wilden was really jealous, he said that he gets no help in his area.
Dad you asked how long it takes to do one of the those envalopes. well to be honest i dont know, if i decide to do one i would start it at the begining of the week and then just work on it a little bit every now and again throughout the week whenever i get a chance. so maybe all together an hour and a half. but im not for certain.
Alofa atu,
Elder Fawcett
E aga'i I luma le galuenga.
It apears that you have allready guessed I would be getting email. we didnt find out for sure until 5 days ago. But just to let you know, we can use email every monday.
wow you ran 20 miles on saturday? Thats great. but thats good because that marathon is comming up pretty quick isnt it? and yes when i get back, i will need to get back into shape so that i can run a marathon. Well atleast it sounds like a good idea right now. Maybe not so good when I actually get back. haha. Both burritos and calzones in one week? You guys are eating great! haha that sounds amazing, especialy when im over here eating fried chicken and taro every day. not exactly the most healthy diet... :( But oh well no point fussing over things that you cant fix.
This past week was great. Earlyer this week the bishops wife Amu asked us to come help her teach the seminary class on the 1st chapter of the D&C. specificaly on the last few verses and the verse that talks about this chuch being to only true and living chuch on the earth. That went really well. I spent about 15 mins talking to the class about the church and and what examples we should be. I was really happy about the way things went. (by the way this was all in english). Then right after the lesson one of the girls came up to me and asked my why I said that this was the only true church when there are other churches out there that say the same thing. So we told her that we would come by her house later after scholl got out and anser all of her questions. By the way her name is Anne. so later we went and taught her the first lesson. this was the first time I have ever tought a lesson in english. It was an amazing experiance, being able to bear my testomony in english. Anne had so many questions about Prophets and the Priesthood and so many other things. All in all, it was a really great day.
The next day we went ovet to check out one of our reverals, and we ran into a lady named Saina. she said that she would to hear more about what we have to say. she also said that she used to get visits from other missionaries. but then she moved away. And i guess she moved back abot two weaks ago. So we went back and had a wonderfull lesson with her. We ended up talking about baptism, and we found out that she is not married to and has two kids with the man that she lives with. (does that sound familear to any of you?). Also, she cant get married to him for another month because the man has no ID in Tutuila. He said that he would be getting it some time in October. So I guess we will just have to use our onosa'i (patience). but we will definatly Keep going over to visit and teech her.
We did a Split with the District leaders this week as well. Elder Wilden came over to Pava'ia'i with me, while Elder Davis went over to Amanave with Elder Degrafenreid. While on that split we went and talked to Anne about the Plan of Salvation. And once again she had about 1 billion questions. she almost reminds me of Kjanela. haha in a good way of course. also on that split we just kept getting referals right and left. literally every house that we went to someone was asking us to visit a friend or neighbor. Elder Wilden was really jealous, he said that he gets no help in his area.
Dad you asked how long it takes to do one of the those envalopes. well to be honest i dont know, if i decide to do one i would start it at the begining of the week and then just work on it a little bit every now and again throughout the week whenever i get a chance. so maybe all together an hour and a half. but im not for certain.
Alofa atu,
Elder Fawcett
E aga'i I luma le galuenga.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)